Chief Executive CY Leung has ordered an investigation into the ferry collision off Lamma Island which killed 38 people.

The two passenger vessels collided at about 8.20pm. One carrying more than 120 people quickly sank.

The Fire Services Department sent seven launches to the scene, including a diving support vessel, and mobilised 210 officers, including fire and ambulance personnel, and more than 20 ambulances.

Twenty-eight people were certified dead at the scene. More than 100 people were sent to five hospitals during the incident, nine of them have sustained serious injuries or are in critical condition.

Divers are searching the accident scene and the vessel.

Mr Leung watched part of the rescue operation at the South Horizons Public Pier and expressed his sympathies to the injured. He then visited victims in hospital.

He praised the rescue efforts of the government agencies involved, saying officers worked fast to help as many people as possible. He said an investigation has been launched to find the cause of the tragedy.

Government officials have met with the management of Hong Kong Electric, which was using the ferry that sank.

Deputy Director of the Central Government’s Liaison Office in Hong Kong Li Gang said crane barges will be sent from Guangdong to assist in the operation.

The Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office expressed sympathy to Hong Kong people who have lost family members in the tragedy, and those who are injured. It said the country will help in the search and rescue efforts.

Those concerned their relatives are missing in the incident can call the Police enquiry hotline 1878 999.